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Motorcycle Reports
MOTORCYCLE REPORT
Our motorcycle display on Heritage Day received some good comments from the public and from our fellow branch members. Twenty-Eight machines were lined up with all the VCC categories represented. Sounds good but actually we cheated a bit. We had bikes from the museum, Glenn provided seven and George two meaning ten other members provided machines. Where was everyone? Well Waitangi Day this year created a long weekend so possibly it was a good opportunity for some relaxing family time in the sounds, the city or a family, old friend’s or borstal reunion. There were also other activities, e.g. the Bush Pilot’s event at Omaka. The next two Waitangi Days will also be on long weekends which may reduce participation levels again. Thanks to those who did make it and especially to those who helped out on the day, prior to the day and after the day. It was gratifying to have members who are not motorcyclists helping push motorcycles from the museum up to the display area and back to the museum. In the absence of last year’s Keown Cup winner Ed Matkin took on the difficult job of picking this year’s winner. Thanks Ed. Our second event for the month was the Nelson swap meet. At least eight of our motorcycle members were seen poking around amongst the stall sites and some bits and pieces were purchased and some unwanted parts got rid of including some from the branch spares. As is becoming usual with most swap meets parts for early motorcycles are getting scarce. However, it was another day out, a catch up with our VCC neighbours including some ex-Marlborough members and it beats mowing the lawns. The following day it was our monthly ride and we had a good turnout for the ride up to the small “That’s Fabulous” roadside café refreshment’s stop just west of the Wash river. Seventeen riders plus Ed and Julie in their new Jaguar convertible (wow) and the backup made the trip a total of 20, plus 2 other riders who turned up at the park for the pre ride exchange of news and views. Alas one rider turned back near Marchburn when his new restoration felt the heat (32 degrees) the uphill gradient, the headwind and the recent rebore and the motor started to nip up.
